Since 1985, the lawyers at Shapiro & Appleton have dedicated their practice to helping people when they need it most. Our clients are usually down and out after a serious accident, struggling financially, physically, and emotionally. We take pride in advocating for the downtrodden and injured and getting the financial restitution they are owed.

One of the most effective ways to choose a top-notch attorney is by reviewing their professional accolades and awards. Independent, third-party organizations bestow these recognitions and distinctions and symbolize a level of excellence in the profession.

We are very proud of the success we have had in obtaining large settlements, arbitration awards, judgments, and jury verdicts. Our success is based mainly on our experience in courtrooms across Virginia.

Featuring breaking news stories in Virginia, North Caroling and nationwide. Our news stories about accidents, events, injuries, and lawsuits are researched and published by our team of experienced personal injury attorneys and could help you learn more about your personal injury case.

One of the best ways to gauge the quality of a personal injury law firm is the feedback from prior clients. The reviews and testimonials on this page are authentic and unfiltered. We are proud to have served so many people who needed help during a difficult time.

By adapting and being familiar with not only Virginia and North Carolina Courts, but also Courts throughout the Eastern United States, our attorneys have developed a set of skills that can be incredibly useful in every sort of significant personal injury case.

The attorneys with our firm actively engage in continuing legal education seminars in the field of injury law. Our lawyers have also regularly delivered lectures to personal injury lawyers not only in Virginia but at national trial organizations.

To stay on the leading edge of personal injury law, all of the firm's attorneys are active in local, state, and national personal injury trial law organizations. We also retain the services of forensic animators, videographers, and computer specialists to produce compelling evidence that will persuade a jury to award maximum damages.

According to § 90-21.19(a) of the North Carolina Code, the damages that can be recovered by a medical malpractice victim for pain and suffering against all defendants cannot exceed $500,000. Any Judgment that exceeds this limit will actually be modified by the courts to fit the $500,000.00 cap.

However, not all hope is lost. There is a provision in the law that provides some flexibility around the cap. If the judge or jury finds both that (1) the plaintiff suffered disfigurement, loss of use of part of the body, permanent injury or death AND (2) the defendant acted with reckless disregard or with malice, then damages can be awarded that surpass the $500,000 cap.

Essentially, this means that if your injury is significant and it can be established that the defendant doctor acted recklessly, then there’s a chance that the $500,000 cap would not apply. If a jury is acting as the trier of fact, then the jury will not receive a damage cap instruction.

There are also reserved punitive damages, which are separate from the $500,000 noneconomic damages cap that can be awarded. Though, punitive damages may not exceed three times the amount of compensatory damages OR $250,000.00, whichever is greater. So, basically, you’ll get the larger sum of either $250K or three times the amount you receive in compensatory damages.

The major problem with damage caps in general is that it is very hard to place a set limit on the damages that should be afforded to injured parties due to the medical negligence of a physician or care provider. It is also questionable to place a set number of $500,000 as a cap without any real reason as to where this number comes from and why.

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